Dubai has experienced impressive growth and development over the last few decades. Whether it’s infrastructure, technology, innovation, tourism or sustainability, Dubai has become the leading region in the Middle East. This growth and development are highly driven by the combined efforts of the innovative and visionary business leaders of Dubai. Explore the journey of the Top 10 Most Influential Business Leaders in Dubai for 2025, who have revolutionised Dubai’s trade and business sectors.
Top 10 Leading Business Leaders in Dubai for 2025
1. Mohamed Alabbar: The Driving Force Behind Dubai’s Economic Development.
Founder and Chairman– Emaar Properties

Source: Khalifa University
With 30 years of visionary leadership and a commitment to creating iconic landmarks and unparalleled lifestyle destinations, Alabbar has built a legacy of global force in urban development as well as in community building. Mohamed Alabbar, with his active interests in real estate, retail, hospitality, e-commerce, technology, logistics, Food & Beverages and venture capital, has become a global entrepreneur with a net worth of $200 crores.
Mohamed Alabbar has spearheaded the growth of Emaar Properties by transforming the lifestyles of people globally through developing world-class mixed-use projects across 20+ nations. He has boosted regional development by establishing the globally renowned Americana Group and e-commerce platforms Noon and Namshi.
By nurturing long-term relationships with housing authorities, regional ministers, tech companies, global and regional banks, he has become a trusted partner among strategic investors in sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and public investors. By developing Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and being recognised for being a member of various communities of economic development, Alabbar is honoured for Dubai’s exceptional economic growth.
2. Hussain Sajwani: Visionary behind Luxury Real Estate.
Founder– DAMAC Properties

Source: Forbes
Hussain Sajwani is known for high-end developments across the Middle East and collaborations with internationally renowned brands such as Versace, Fendi, and Donald Trump. He is known for extravagant marketing, such as offering free Lamborghinis to apartment buyers. As an investor, Sajwani has a proven track record in the global equity and capital markets with his global portfolios of investments in real estate, fashion brands, and data centres.
Sajwani, through his foundation, has developed an initiative called ‘One Million Arab Coders’ to empower one million Arabs with computer coding skills, enabling them to lead in the future with the evolving computer language. He began spearheading Edgnex to develop data centres across regions from Ireland to Tokyo with a $1 billion investment to meet and lead in the growing global demand for data infrastructure.
Additionally, alongside Donald Trump at a press conference, he announced a $20 billion investment to build new data centres across the United States. His bold business acumen, architectural distinctiveness and net worth of $10.2 crores have earned him a global reputation as a visionary in the luxury property market.
3. Khalaf Al Habtoor
Founder and Chairman– Al Habtoor Group

Source: Al Habtoor Group
Khalaf Al Habtoor is a prominent self-made businessman throughout the Middle East. His deep-seated ambition to own his shop has led him to build a thriving business conglomerate out of a small engineering firm started in 1970. His business took off rapidly and ranked among the most successful family-owned ones in the Gulf region, with its spanning interest in hospitality, automotive, insurance, real estate, and education.
In 2024, the group launched the 81-story residential skyscraper with 1701 luxury units, positioning it as one of Dubai’s tallest residential buildings. The patriot Khalaf Al Habtoor showcased his remarkable loyalty towards the UAE’s phenomenal growth. Additionally, he his renowned for his extensive knowledge of international affairs, philanthropic activities, promotion of peace, and for being an unofficial ambassador of the UAE abroad.
Known for his optimistic approach, Al Habtoor has also been recognised for his interest in writing books and in the media related to local and international politics, and open talks in public with engaging topics. His Arabic Language Initiative was widely recognised for its aims to encourage younger generations to embrace the Arabic language and cultural heritage. Thus, Khalaf Al Habtoor has become an influential figure for his business and philanthropic works for the UAE’s development.
4. Badr Jafar: The UAE’s Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy
Managing Director– Crescent Group

Source: entrepreneur
Badr Jafar is renowned for his deep interest in the humanitarian and development sectors. He serves in various advisory positions, such as a member of the United Nations Secretary General’s high-level panel on humanitarian financing, a member of the UNESCO International Commission on the Futures of Education, a member of the Board of Overseers of the International Rescue Committee, a member of the Board of International Peace Institute, and many more. He has also chaired the COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum in the UAE, where he came across the need for public, business, and philanthropic collaboration on climate action.
Apart from pioneering in Social entrepreneurship, Badr’s business acumen is also renowned. His Crescent Enterprises operates across nine industry sectors in over 15 countries. Badr is also recognised for his work in fostering corporate governance and accountability in the Gulf region through the Pearl Initiative, founded in 2010. He is the author of the ‘Business of Philanthropy: Perspectives and Insights from Global Thought Leaders on How to Change the World’. Thus, for his vocal promotion of strategic philanthropy, Badr was appointed as the UAE’s Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy.
5. Khalid Bin Kalban: Developer of Multi-sector Powerhouse
Vice Chairman and CEO– Dubai Investments PJSC

Source: Arabian Business
Khalid Bin Kalban is a well-known Businessman in the UAE who has vast experience from key management roles in different fields, including the industrial, financial and investment sectors. His bold style and knowledge have helped him in leveraging the competitive edge and capitalising on the potential of numerous sectors.
Khalid Bin Kalban is a significant player in establishing leading companies in the UAE, which have contributed to the rapid development with his visionary leadership. He holds several key roles in Al Mal Capital PSC, National General Insurance Company, Arcapita Group, Bahrain, and Africa Crest Education. Under his business acumen, with its strategic investment across real estate, industrial ventures, finance, healthcare, and education, Dubai Investments has emerged as a multi-sector powerhouse driving economic diversification and growth.
Beyond the executive roles, he is also recognised for his contributions to the development of Dubai Investments Park, a major industrial and residential area in Dubai. Thus, with various key roles in shaping the vision and growth of Dubai Investments over the past 30 years, he is a renowned visionary leader.
6. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair: A Prominent Businessman and Philanthropist.
Chairman– Mashreq Bank and Abdulla Al Ghurair Group

Source: Wikipedia
Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair is widely recognised of the leading Emirati businessmen and philanthropists. He served as the CEO of Mashreq Bank for nearly 30 years, developing it into a leading financial institution in the region. He also manages his large family business, Abdulla Al Ghurair Group, with diversified interests in finance, food, and construction sectors.
Abdul Aziz was also elected as a speaker on the UAE Federal National Council from 2007 to 2011. He also holds various other positions, such as chairman of the UAE Banks Federation, chairman of Masafi Mineral Water Company, and member of the board of directors for various companies.
However, Abdul Aziz is the major donor to the Global Muslim Philanthropy Fund for Children and has also pledged one-third of his group’s assets to the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education. Thus, Abdul Aziz is known for shaping the modern and brighter future of the Middle Eastern economy.
7. Reem Al Hashimy: An Innovative Emirati Leader
Director General– Expo 2020 Dubai

Source: Aletihad Newspaper
Reem Al Hashimy is recognised for leading the UAE’s successful bid to host Expo 2020 Dubai and hitting a milestone by developing the first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region, boosting the UAE’s global credibility. The Expo was a huge success with participation of 192 countries and recorded over 22 million visits during its six-month run.
She has been serving as the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, and also oversees the Political Affairs Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. In addition, she is the CEO of the Expo City Dubai Authority, overseeing the development of Expo City Dubai as a lasting legacy of the global event.
Reem chairs the Board of Directors of Dubai Cares, a philanthropic organisation committed to improving access to education in developing countries. In September 2022, she became the first female Emirati politician to deliver a speech for the UAE at the UN General Assembly. Thus, with her diplomatic and entrepreneurial work, she is promoting global partnerships, innovation, and sustainable development goals.
8. Ahmed Bin Sulayem: The Boosting Force of Dubai’s Infrastructure.
Chairman and CEO– DP World

Source: Rapaport
Ahmed Bin Sulayem is a prominent Emirati businessman in developing Dubai’s infrastructure. Projects like Uptown Dubai and Jumeirah Lakes Towers have significantly contributed to the real estate development. As the chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, he has played a key role in enhancing commodity trade flows through Dubai, especially in diamonds and gold.
Under Ahmed’s leadership, DP World has become a global leader in marine and inland terminals and has been actively investing in expansions in London Gateway, Peru, and India. A significant growth of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre [DMCC] from a small organisation to a major free zone with thousands of member companies has contributed to the various sectors of the country.
Additionally, Ahmed is actively involved in various initiatives of DMCC, such as Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange [DGCX], Dubai Tea Trading Centre, Dubai Peral Exchange, and Dubai Diamond Exchange [DDE]. However, Ahmed is actively highlighting India’s importance as a manufacturing and nearshoring hub for global markets, promoting the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Thus, with an extensive journey of experiences, Ahmed Bin Sulayem is renowned for his strategic investments, boosting Dubai’s infrastructure.
9. Najla Al Midfa: Fueling the Entrepreneurial Economy.
CEO and Vice Chairperson– Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre [Sheraa]

Source: Forbes Middle East
With a portfolio of over 200 startups, which have raised around $270 million in investment, under Najla Al Midfa’s leadership, Sheraa has become a key instrument for developing the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Dubai. Najla has worked as a senior associate at McKinsey and Company’s New York office, where she worked on a range of strategy-related projects.
In 2015, Najla joined Sheraa with her commitment to create a meaningful, lasting impact across the communities and organisations. She is also the founder of Khayarat, a platform enabling young Emiratis to make informed career choices. With Najla’s visionary leadership, Khayarat, with over 1000 members and placements in top international companies, is revolutionising the Emirati talent.
She has launched the Dh1 billion initiative designed to bridge the critical funding gap for SMEs. Additionally, she is a board member at the United Arab Bank, the Emirates Development Bank, the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovative Park, Dana Gas, and the Emirates Schools Establishment. Thus, she is an influential voice in empowering entrepreneurs by providing mentorship and resources to drive innovation.
10. Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum: Driving Aviation across the world.
Chairman and CEO– Emirates Airline and Group

Source: Oil & Gas Middle East
Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum has been spearheading the successful expansion of aviation, contributing to Dubai’s remarkable economic development. In 1985, he began his career as President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation. In addition, Emirates Airline was launched, where he was appointed to the post of chairman. Today, under his leadership, Emirates Airline has become one of the world’s most recognised and award-winning airline brands with its presence across six continents.
He also oversees the group’s air service arm, dnata, one of the world’s leading providers of air and travel services. It has developed into a trusted brand for over 300 airline customers worldwide, offering services such as ground handling, cargo, travel, catering, and retail. Ahmed is also the president of Dubai Duty Free, which has become one of the biggest single airports in retail operations in the world.
After the restructuring of DCA, Ahmed became the President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority [DCAA] and chairman of Dubai Airports. Apart from aviation, he also holds several government positions, such as the Commissioner General of Dubai Economy, Chairman of Dubai Holding, and many more. Thus, Ahmed Bin Saeed is honoured for developing Dubai as the region’s leading tourist destination and business hub.
Conclusion
From Mohamed Alabbar’s timeless real estate ventures to Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s aviation empire, these business leaders have proven their resilience, vision, and commitment to excellence, developing Dubai as a global powerhouse of innovation, real estate, finance, and many more. Their philanthropic initiatives and support of entrepreneurs for increasing global trade and sustainable growth have brought societal progress. Hence, the legacy of these Top 10 Most Influential Business Leaders is a blueprint for future generations that are redefining the limits of possibility in Dubai and beyond.